Dell Rapids is a thriving small city on the Big Sioux River
Dell Rapids is a small city on the Big Sioux River, in Minnehaha County, about 20 miles north of Sioux Falls . The area is popular among those relocating for a change of scenery as the population is up to 4,000, according to U.S. Census estimates. "People who live there have grown up there and made the community a home," says Chere Rosa de Sharon, a broker and the owner of Hi-Tech Realty, who is assisting in expanding HomeSmart Adventure Realty. "There's the benefit of small-town living, big yards and historical homes."
Dell Rapids is considered a bedroom community for Sioux Falls, where many people commute for work. "However, Dell Rapids is also thriving, and has some of its own government entities, churches and stores that have a mom-and-pop feel," Rosa de Sharon says.
A historical attraction for architectural styles and quartzite
Though it was named for the Big Sioux River's rapids and dells, Dell Rapids also sports the nickname, "The Little City with the Big Attractions." Dell Rapids' business district is on the National Register of Historic Places and characterized by distinctive architecture, including Victorian, Romanesque and neo-classical styles. "There are historical factors in Dell Rapids that make it very unique," Rosa de Sharon says.
A hallmark of Dell Rapids is the extensive use of Sioux quartzite, sometimes called pink or rose quartzite. The reddish metamorphic rock, native to this region where South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa meet, was used to rebuild the city after a fire in 1888. Quartzite buildings include the Grand Opera House, the First National Bank building and the Diesen Department Store building, now the site of the Dell Rapids Museum.
A residential historic district, ranch-style and contemporary homes
Also on the National Register is the Dell Rapids Residential Historic District, which consists of late 19th and early 20th century homes on a hillside north of the business district. There's everything from workers' cottages and Craftsman bungalows to Queen Annes and Prairie-style houses. There are only 45 homes in the historic district, so they are rarely on the market.
Ranch-style homes from the 1950s to '70s are more common. Contemporaries were added in the decades that followed, up until the present. Homes built in the 2020s are primarily on the north and east sides of Dell Rapids. There are some twin homes, which are akin to two-sided townhouses or duplexes, though usually the two sides are owned separately. Overall, home prices typically range from about $200,000 to $590,000.
Shops and restaurants downtown, a grocery store to the northwest
Downtown Dell Rapids, centered along East Fourth Street, has a focus on independent and family-owned businesses, including boutiques, salons and eateries. LaDelle and Fourth Coffee House offers breakfast sandwiches, signature sundaes and a rotating selection of baked goods. Norby's Bar and Grill has a patio with outdoor seating and hosts live music and dart leagues.
The first floor of the Grand Opera House building is home to Mexican restaurant El Mezcal. The second story, previously used as a venue, was temporarily closed as of 2025. "It's such a beautiful building from 1888. The space is magnificent, and the sound is near perfection. We've enjoyed offering concerts, music and plays, and are entertaining the thought of opening again," says Joan Rasmussen, who owns the building.
The Dells Theater, housed in a 1938 Art Deco building, is the spot for first-run movies and kids' matinees in the summer. Pinz bowling alley has eight classic wood lanes, an arcade, a salad bar and weekend steak nights. For groceries, there's County Fair Food Store in northwest Dell Rapids. For more shopping, dining and entertainment, people head to Sioux Falls.
City Park, the Sioux River Red Rock Trail and events
Dell Rapids has over 220 acres of green space and a Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation since 1985. Dell Rapids City Park, on the river, offers numerous athletic amenities, including a pool, baseball fields and basketball, pickleball and tennis courts. Historical structures at the park include a quartzite bathhouse and amphitheater, and there’s access to Sioux River Red Rock Trail, which is frequented by walkers, cyclists and birdwatchers. The trail, created by the collaboration of volunteers and the city, has been extended over time and future growth is expected.
The park is also the site for Cootie Days, held in early June. Originating in 1919 to celebrate the end of WWI, the event was named as a farewell to lice and other "cooties" that were part of life in the trenches. Vendors, carnival rides and bingo are part of the festivities. There's even more going on the fourth weekend of June during Quarry Days. Out of dozens of activities, there's a parade, fireworks, a rubber duck race on the river, a kids' fishing derby and the Blast from the Past car show.
Highly rated public schools in the Dell Rapids School District
Students may attend public schools in the Dell Rapids School District. Dell Rapids Elementary School earns an A grade from Niche, Dell Rapids Middle School has an A-minus and Dell Rapids High School receives a B-plus. A small portion of southwestern Dell Rapids is assigned to the Baltic School District. Baltic Elementary School has a B grade, Baltic Middle School receives a B-plus and Baltic High School has a B. St. Mary's Catholic Schools, which covers all grade levels and is rated B-minus, is a private option.
Highway access, a hospital in town and an airport 30 miles away
The city's downtown and many residential streets have sidewalks, so it's fairly walkable, though most people drive for longer distances. State Route 115 passes through Dell Rapids; it meets Interstate 29 several miles to the west.
Weekday transportation service is available by reservation through DellsXpress, operated by the Brookings Area Transit Authority (BATA). Avera Dells Area Hospital is in Dell Rapids and offers a full range of advanced services. It's about a 30-mile drive to Sioux Falls Regional Airport, which has direct flights to more than a dozen destinations nationwide.
Snowy winters are expected, and there's a risk of tornadoes and floods
The region has four seasons, which Rosa de Sharon says is part of its draw. Residents should expect snow, though not to be snowed in. "The winters are milder than they have ever been, but still brisk and cold. The city does plow the streets, and they do an absolute fabulous job."
Though not common, tornadoes are also a risk. A magnitude 2 tornado in 1987 caused over $25,000 in damages in Dell Rapids. In 2019, three destructive tornadoes touched down in Sioux Falls. Flooding is also possible when there's heavy rainfall and raised river levels. Though it had been decades since Dell Rapids experienced severe flooding, conditions in 2019 were drastic enough to require some residents to evacuate.
Written By
Robin Silberman
